Collapsible frame assembly for supporting netting

ABSTRACT

A frame supporting netting for sports play. The frame has a base frame selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends thereof. An elbow portion rotatably connects to each end. A front frame has first and second ends that also rotatably connected to the elbow portions, wherein, to collapse the unitary frame, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitary frame is substantially flat. The frame may include a pitchback assembly for selectively converting the frame into a pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering other uses. The pitchback assembly has a sleeve for securing to a first portion of the frame, an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the frame, and a net secured to the sleeve and the anchor assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.200420020473.X, filed Feb. 27, 2004 which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to sports goal and pitchback assemblies.More particularly, the present invention relates to collapsible frameassemblies that form a play position for use as a sports goal and/orpitchback, and a substantially flat, collapsed position to permit easytransfer and storage.

2. Background Information

Collapsible sports goals are known in the prior art. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 5,080,375 to Moosavi (“the '375 patent”) shows an adjustablesoccer goal with a net. The '375 patent shows interior tubes 35connected within members 14-20, 34 for allowing telescoping that changesthe size of the soccer goal when in use. Thumb screws fix therelationship between the members 14-20, 34 and interior tubes 35.Connectors 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32 frictionally interconnects the members14-20, 34. The soccer goal of the '375 patent can be disassembled forstorage by removing the members 14-20, 34 from the connectors 23, 24,28, 29, 31, 32.

For additional examples, U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,045 to Liao, U.S. Pat. No.5,695,195 to John, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,957 to Schmidt disclosecollapsible sports goals. Each of these patents utilize a complexcoupling mechanism to allow folding or separation of the differenctcomponents. For still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,279 to thesame inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, discloses several collapsible sports goal assemblies withpivot joints for coupling frame members. However, U.S. Pat. No.6,558,279 does not disclose joints with rotational capability that allowquick and easy folding of the goal frame.

One drawback associated with the prior art goal frame assemblies is theinability to fold the frame for transport without removing components.Another drawback is the cumbersome nature of the connectors thatdetracts from the uniform shape of the frame in the goal opening, andadds to the expense and complexity of the assembly. Still anotherdrawback is the difficulty in securing the net to the frame during useand transport. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention toovercome these and other drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art.

Similarly, prior art pitchbacks have been unable to be utilized for avariety of purposes because of the difficulty in storing andtransporting such pitchbacks. In view of this shortcoming, a pitchbackthat easily folds for transport and storage would be an improvement overthe prior art. Moreover, prior art pitchbacks are limited to a solepurpose. Alternative uses, such as a goal, are not convenient becauseadjustment from one configuration to another requires inconvenientreinstallation of the netting or the pitchback configuration isill-suited for the additional application. Thus, there is a need for apitchback that can serve as a goal, and change in size and configurationfor a variety of applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a collapsible sports goal assemblyincluding a base frame having a first, second, third and fourth end,wherein third and fourth ends removably connect. A front frame issupported upright by the base frame, the front frame being coupled tothe first and second ends of the base frame. Coupling means allow thefirst and second ends of the base frame to rotate in two directions sothat the sports goal assembly can be substantially flattened for storageand transport when the third and fourth ends are separated. A netattaches to the base frame and the front frame for retaining objects.

In another embodiment, a frame for supporting a sports net includes abase frame for resting on a play surface having first and second ends.The base frame is selectively coupled at a point intermediate the firstand second ends. A first elbow portion rotatably connects to the firstend, and a second elbow portion rotatably connects to the second end. Afront frame has first and second ends that rotatably connect to theelbow portions, wherein, in the play position, the front frame isrigidly supported substanitally perpendicularly to the play surface bythe base frame, and, to collapse the unitary frame for transport orstorage, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allowfor rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitaryframe is substantially flat.

The frame further includes a releasable coupling at a point within thefront frame to thereby allow further folding of the frame. Preferably,an elastic rope links the resulting portions together. The frame mayalso include a pitchback assembly for selectively converting the frontframe portion into a pitchback and storing thereon without encumberinguse as a goal. The pitchback assembly includes a fabric sleeve forsecuring the assembly to a first portion of the goal, an anchor assemblyfor coupling to a second portion of the open goal, and a net having oneend secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchorassembly.

It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implementedand utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as aprocess, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method for applications nowknown and later developed. These and other unique features of the systemdisclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosedsystem appertains will more readily understand how to make and use thesame, reference may be had to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly ofthe present disclosure in an assembled condition with a net attachedthereto.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly ofFIG. 1 in a transitional position between the assembled andstorgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly ofFIG. 1 in a storage/transport condition.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a preferred connection assembly for theintermediate point of the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a preferred elbow portion for use withthe collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly ofthe present disclosure in the play position.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly ofFIG. 5 in a partially disassembled condition.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly ofFIG. 5 in a partially disassembled condition.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly ofFIG. 5 in the transport/storage position.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are detailed views of the portion shown in circle A ofFIG. 5.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are detailed views of the portion shown in circle B ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly with optionalpitchback of the present disclosure in the play position.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 11with the optional pitchback in the pitchback position.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a preferred anchor assembly for theoptional pitchback of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a preferred end cap for the anchorassembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end cap of FIG. 14attached to a goal frame.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the goal assembly of FIG. 11 with theoptional pitchback partially assembled and an optional shelf assemblythereon.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame assembly ofthe present disclosure in an assembled condition.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly ofFIG. 17 in a transitional position between the assembled andstorgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 19 is another rear perspective view of the collapsible frameassembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position between the assembled andstorgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 20 is still another rear perspective view of the collapsible frameassembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position between the assembled andstorgae/transport conditions.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame assembly ofFIG. 17 in a storage/transport condition.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another collapsible frameassembly of the present disclosure in an assembled condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problemsassociated with frames for netting. The advantages, and other featuresof the frames and netting disclosed herein, will become more readilyapparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the followingdetailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken inconjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodimentsof the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar structural elements.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a collapsible sports goal assembly 10 of thepresent disclosure comprises an upright front frame 14 supported by abase frame 12. When in use as a sports goal, the base frame 12 typicallyrests on the surface of play and the front frame 14 is oriented in aposition approximately perpendicular to the base frame 12 such that thefront frame 14 extends upwardly from the surface of play to form thegoal periphery. As described further below, the respective frames 12, 14are pivotally connected to each other such that the assembly 10 can beoriented in the assembled play position as shown in FIG. 1, or in acollapsed and relatively flat position for transport and storage, asshown in FIG. 3.

Front end portions 40, 42 of the base frame 12 are connected to thefront frame 14 by elbow portions 26 that allow for limited rotation. Thebase frame 12 also can be separated at a point 30 intermediate the backportions 44, 46. Preferably, a net 34 secures to the frames 12, 14 bysleeves 36. The sleeves 36 of the net 34 are configured to form gaps 39therebetween near the elbow portions 26 and intermediate point 30. Thesegaps 39 allow maintaiing the net 34 in place during folding andassembling of the sports goal assembly 10. The net 34 further includes astrap 37 to further secure the net 34 to the frame 12. In a preferredembodiment, screws (not shown) are threaded into the bottom of the baseframe 12 at the gaps 39 in order to form protective feet that preventpremature wear of the sleeves 36. It is envisioned that the frames andleg assemblies can be made of any of numerous different materials,including, for example, metal and/or plastic, and can define any ofnumerous different cross-sectional shapes and configurations, or othershapes and configurations.

Referring to FIG. 4A, in a preferred embodiment, the intermediate point30 consists of a female end 27 and a male end 29 that couple together byfriction. A hole 31 formed in the female end 27 receives a spring-loadedlocking pin 33 on the male end 29 to further secure the ends 27, 29together.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an exemplary elbow portion 26 is shown in anexploded view with a front end portion 40 of the base frame 12 and anend of the front frame 14. The end of the front end portion 40 and endof the front frame 14 include a spring-loaded locking pin 50. The end ofthe front end portion 40 and end of the front frame 14 are sized andconfigured to insert within the respective ends of the elbow portion 26when the respective locking pin 50 is depressed. Slots 52 formed in therespective ends of the elbow portion 26 receive the locking pin 50 toretain the frames 12, 14 to the elbow portion 26. Although the elbowportion 26 is secured to the frames 12, 14, the elbow portion 26 isallowed to rotate in a limited manner with respect thereto because ofthe elongated nature of the slots 52.

Referring to FIG. 2, to transport or store the goal assembly 10, thebase frame 12 can be separated at the intermediate point 30. The backportions 44, 46 of the base frame 12 can be rotated upward along arrowsA in relation to the front frame 14 such that the back portions 44, 46are approximately perpendicular to each other. The front portions 40, 42can be rotated along arrows B until the goal assembly is substantiallyflat, as shown in FIG. 3. To reassembly, the goal assembly 10 for play,these steps are reversed.

As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, the elbow portions employed in the sports goalassembly 10 of the present disclosure may take any of numerous differentshapes, configurations, and/or types of such members that are currentlyor later become known for performing the functions of the elbow portionsdescribed herein. For example, the elbow portions may take the form ofthe male end forming the slot, the slot may be a series of lockingholes, and like variations without departing from the spirit or thescope of the subject inventive subject matter.

Turning to FIGS. 5 through 10B, another embodiment of a collapsiblesports goal assembly of the present disclosure is indicated generally bythe reference numeral 110. The collapsible sports goal assembly 110 issimilar to the collapsible sports goal assembly 10 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 4, and therefore like reference numeralspreceded by the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements wheneverpossible. As can be seen, a primary difference of the collapsible sportsgoal assembly 110 is addition of a top frame assembly 116 that provideshead and/or shoulder room for a player positioned within the opening ofthe goal, such as a goalie. Referring to FIG. 5, in the play position,the top frame assembly 116 includes a shelf 122 connected to the uprightfront frame 114 and supported by a leg 124.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 9A and 9B, a bottom end 150 of the leg 124forms a sleeve for sliding over the base frame 112 at the intermediatepoint 130. In the play position, a locking pin 152 on the base frame 112engages a hole 154 formed in the base frame 112 to secure theintermediate point 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, 10A and 10B, the shelf 122 can be rotatedin relation to the front frame 114 from an approximately perpendicularplay position, as shown in FIG. 5, to a collapsed position as shown inFIG. 7. Preferably, the shelf 122 is integral with a portion of thefront frame 114 to form a rectangle shape with depending ends 158. Thedepending ends 158 are a reduced diameter for sliding within therespective portion of the front frame 114. A pair of opposingspring-loaded locking pins 160 on each depending end 158 couple withinholes 162 formed in the respective portion of the front frame 114 to fixthe shelf 122 thereto in the play position. Preferably, a top end 156 ofthe leg 124 also forms a sleeve for sliding over the shelf 122. Thus,the leg 124 may be moved along the axis of the respective portions ofthe shelf 122 and base frame 112.

In another embodiment, the bottom end 150 of the leg 124 and theportions of the shelf 122 that engage the front frame 114 form c-shapedends for frictionally linking onto the base frame 112. As a result, theshelf 122 and leg 124 can be quickly and easily removed altogetherwithout disassembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, a rough sequence of steps to convertthe goal assembly 110 from the play position to the transport/storageposition is illustrated. Initially, the base frame 112 is separated atthe intermediate point 130 by depressing the locking pin 152. Thisseparation allows sliding the bottom end 150 of the leg 124 from thebase frame as shown in FIG. 6. Depressing the locking pins 162 on thefront frame 114 allows the shelf 122, and therewith the leg 124, torotate substantially parallel to the front frame 114 as shown in FIG. 7.At this point, the base frame 112 is collapsed in a manner similar tothat described above with respect to goal assembly 10 to achieve thesubstantially flat transport/storage position as shown in FIG. 8.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the collapsible sportsgoal assembly of the present invention is indicated generally by thereference numeral 210. The sports goal assembly 210 is substantiallysimilar to the sports goal assembly 10 described above, and thereforelike reference numerals preceded by the numerals “2” are used toindicate like elements. A primary difference of the sports goal assembly210 is that a pitchback assembly 270 converts the perimeter of the goal210 into a pitchback as can be seen in FIG. 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the pitchback assembly 270 is integral withthe net assembly 234 without encumbering use of the goal assembly 210 asshown in FIG. 11. A fabric sleeve 235 formed in the net assembly 234houses the pitchback assembly 270. Preferably, the fabric sleeve 235includes a hook and loop fabric closure (not shown) for easilyenveloping and releasing the pitchback assembly 270. Further, thepitchback assembly 210 does not encumber placing the goal assembly 210in the transport/storage position.

In another embodiment, the pitchback assembly 270 can be separated fromthe net 234 for removal. In the pitchback position, as shown in FIG. 12,the pitchback assembly 270 includes a net 272 extending across theopening of the goal assembly 210. The net 272 is secured at the top tothe front frame 214 and at the bottom to an anchor assembly 274. The net272 also includes a target ribbon 275 that can be selectively positionedand shaped thereon. The anchor assembly 274 secures the net 272 to thebottom of the front frame 214 at the elbow portions 226.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the anchor assembly 274 includes a tubularportion 276 extending along the play surface between the bottom ends ofthe front frame 214. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular portion 276is composed of several telescoping portions 278 so that a length thereofcan be selectively varied. The net 272 forms a loops, a sleeve or thelike for sliding over the tubular portion 276. A pair of end caps 280couple each end of the tubular portion 276 to the respective bottom end292 of the front frame 214.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, each end cap 280 includes a sleeveportion 286 connected to a collar portion 288. The sleeve portion 286includes a pair of opposing spring loaded locking pins 282 forreleasably engaging holes 284 formed in the tubular portion 276 of theanchor assembly 274. In a preferred embodiment, the collar portion 288couples to the sleeve portion 286 by a friction fit. In anotherembodiment, the end cap 280 is monolithic.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the collar portion 288 forms a channel290 for receiving the bottom end 292 of the front frame 214. Preferably,the bottom end 292 of the front frame 214 is an open-ended structure formating with the channel 290. A distal end 294 of the end cap 280 extendsinto the bottom end 292 such that the tubular portion 276 becomessecured across the bottom of the front frame 214.

Referring now to FIG. 16, to place the pitchback assembly 270 in thestorage position of FIG. 11, the end caps 280 are removed from thebottom ends 292 of the front frame 214. The tubular portion 276 isrolled along arrow C to wrap the net 272 thereabout. As the net 272wraps about the tubular portion 276, the tubular portion 276 moves alongarrow D until approximately adjacent the top of the front frame 214. Thetubular portion 276 is telescoped to become approximately the samelength as the fabric sleeve 235 for enclosure therein. To return thepitchback assembly 270 to the pitchback position, the fabric sleeve 235is opened to release the tubular portion 276. The net 272 is unraveledfrom the tubular portion 276, the tubular portion is extended and engaedto the front frame 214.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a pitchback goal combination frame constructedin accordance with the subject disclosure is referred to generally bythe reference numeral 310. The frame 310 is similar to the assemblies10, 110, 210 described above, and therefore like reference numeralspreceded by the numerals “3” are used to indicate like elements wheneverpossible to simplify the following description. A primary difference isthat the frame 310 is intended to serve mainly as a pitchback but alsoconverts to a goal assembly and folds substantially flatly and compactlyfor transport and storage.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame 310 includes an upright front frame314 supported by a base frame 312. The frame 310 also includes anoptional anchor assembly 374 extending along the play surface betweenthe ends of the front frame 314. For additional support of the frontframe 314, optional legs 317 extend between the front frame 314 and thebase frame 312.

Referring to FIGS. 18 through 21, the sequnce for collapsing the frame310 for storage and transport is shown. The base frame 312 and the frontframe 314 can be separated at intermediate points 330. In a preferredembodiment, the intermediate points 330 consist of a female and male endthat are held together by a hole and locking pin in combination as shownabove with respect to FIG. 4A. The base frame 312 is folded in a similarmanner to that as described above. However, the front frame 314 can alsobe reduced in size because of the intermediate point 330 therein.Preferably, an elastic rope 337 is secured within the front frame 314for linking the resulting collapsed portions of the frame 310. Toreassemble, the goal assembly 10 for play, these steps are reversed.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a pitchback goal combination frame constructedin accordance with the subject disclosure is shown in the extendedposition and referred to generally by the reference numeral 410. Theframe 410 is similar to the assemblies 10, 110, 210, 310 describedabove, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numerals“4” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible to simplify thefollowing description. A primary difference is that the frame 410includes reinforced netting and the ability to telescope in size.

In a preferred embodiment, a net assembly 434 stretches across theopening of the frame 410. The net assembly 434 includes a target ribbon475 and reinforcement bands 477. Preferably, a plurality ofreinforcement bands 477 provide the net assembly with an elastic abilityfor improving ball return performance and allowing variation of the sizeof the net assembly 434. The frame 410 also includes a front frame 414,bottom frame 412 and anchor portion 474 that telescope to allow forexpansion and contraction of the size of the opening of the frame 410.

Each embodiments described herein may each include various otherfeatures shown on another embodiment herein in order to furtherincorporate the functional advantages of the respective feature. Forexample, the interconnections of various tubular components may take anyof numerous different shapes or configurations, and may be replaced byany of numerous other fastening mechanisms for performing the functionsdescribed herein. Each frame member can be formed as a single piece, orfrom more than two pieces. In addition, the locking members and rotatinglinks can be any of numerous different mechanisms or devices which arecurrently known, or later become known for performing one or more of thefunctions of either of these components described herein. As may berecognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the teachingsherein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to theabove-described and other embodiments of the present invention withoutdeparting from its scope as defined in the appended claims.

1. A collapsible sports goal assembly comprising: a) a base frame havinga first, second, third and fourth end, wherein third and fourth endsremovably connect; b) a front frame supported upright by the base frame,the front frame being coupled to the first and second ends; c) means forallowing the first and second ends of the base frame to rotate in twodirections so that the sports goal assembly can be substantiallyflattened for storage and transport when the third and fourth ends areseparated; and d) a net attached to the base frame and the front framefor retaining objects.
 2. A collapsible sports goal assembly as recitedin claim 1, further comprising protective feet mounted on the baseframe.
 3. A frame for supporting a sports net comprising: a) a baseframe for resting on a play surface having first and second ends, thebase frame being selectively coupled at a point intermediate the firstand second ends; b) a first elbow portion rotatably connected to thefirst end; c) a second elbow portion rotatably connected to the secondend; and d) a front frame having first and second ends, each end of thefront frame also rotatably connected to the elbow portions; wherein, inthe play position, the front frame is rigidly supported substanitallyperpendicularly to the play surface by the base frame, and, to collapsethe unitary frame for transport or storage, the base frame is uncoupledat the intermediate point to allow for rotation of the base frame firstand second ends until the unitary frame is substantially flat.
 4. Aframe as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a shelf connected tothe front frame; and a leg extending between the shelf and base framefor supporting the shelf.
 5. A frame as recited in claim 3, wherein abottom end of the leg forms a sleeve for sliding over the base frameapproximately at the intermediate point and a top end of the leg forms asleeve for sliding over the shelf.
 6. A frame as recited in claim 3,further comprising a pair of opposing spring-loaded locking pins on theshelf for coupling the shelf to the front frame.
 7. A frame as recitedin claim 3, wherein the front frame is selectively coupled at anintermediate point.
 8. A frame as recited in claim 7, further comprisingan elastic rope secured within the front frame.
 9. An assembly forselectively converting an open goal into a pitchback and storing thereonwithout encumbering use as the open goal, the assembly comprising: afabric sleeve for securing the assembly to a first portion of the opengoal; an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the opengoal; and a net having one end secured to the fabric sleeve and anotherend secured to the anchor assembly.
 10. An assembly as recited in claim9, wherein the fabric sleeve includes a closure for easily envelopingand releasing the assembly.
 11. An assembly as recited in claim 9,wherein the first portion is a top portion and the second portion is abottom portion.
 12. An assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein theanchor assembly includes a telescoping tubular portion and a pair of endcaps for releasably coupling the anchor assembly to the open goal. 13.An assembly for use as an open goal and a pitchback, the assemblycomprising: an open goal; a fabric sleeve for securing the assembly to afirst portion of the open goal; an anchor assembly for coupling to asecond portion of the open goal; and a net having one end secured to thefabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchor assembly.
 14. Anassembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the open goal includes a baseframe for resting on a play surface having first and second ends, thebase frame being selectively coupled at a point intermediate the firstand second ends, a first elbow portion rotatably connected to the firstend, a second elbow portion rotatably connected to the second end, and afront frame having first and second ends, each end of the front framealso rotatably connected to the elbow portions.
 15. An assembly asrecited in claim 14, further comprising a goal net draped about the opengoal for capturing balls, the goal net having a plurality of sleeves forsliding about the base frame and the front frame, the sleeves forming angap approximately about the intermediate point.
 16. An assembly asrecited in claim 14, further comprising a target ribbon secured that canbe selectively positioned and shaped thereon.
 17. An assembly as recitedin claim 14, wherein the anchor assembly, the base frame and the frontframe telescope.
 18. An assembly as recited in claim 17, furthercomprising reinforcement bands within the net for allowing expansionthereof.